By Elket Rodriguez

On April 1, 2022, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced the termination of Title 42 –the COVID-19 order that authorizes the rapid expulsion of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border– on May 23. This policy has been misused under the false pretense of public health to expel over 1.7 million vulnerable individuals seeking refuge at the U.S. southern border without due process. For more information, see the 7 reasons to calm down about the termination of Title 42.

Furthermore, this policy has created a humanitarian crisis at the border. According to Human Rights First, at least 9,886 migrants blocked in or expelled to Mexico through Title 42 have been victims of kidnapping, torture, rape, and other violent attacks. From experience, I know that number is way higher because many migrants are ashamed to share their stories and afraid of reporting their oppressors.    

Since the announcement to end the policy, new anti-asylum measures have been introduced in an attempt to keep Title 42 in place, including the Public Health and Border Security Act of 2022. This bill would make it difficult or impossible to rescind Title 42 and would force the CDC and DHS to keep border expulsions in place – contradicting the CDC’s scientific analysis which found that the expulsion policy is not necessary to protect public health.

 As people of faith, it is vital that we share our call to welcome vulnerable people with warmth and open arms and urge Members of Congress to do the same. We invite faith leaders and faith organizations to sign onto this important faith letter urging Congress to fiercely reject this dangerous bill, oppose similar measures, and hold the Biden administration accountable to ending this inhumane policy once and for all by May 23rd.

Here are the top ways to take action:

1. Faith Leaders Sign On: Sign onto this faith letter urging Congress to oppose the Public Health and Border Security Act of 2022, and any other anti-asylum proposals. Sign on using this form by COB Friday, April 22nd.
2. Faith Organizations Sign On: Sign onto the faith letter using this form by COB Friday, April 22nd.
3. Contact Members of Congress: Click here to call or email your member of Congress and urge them to reject anti-asylum policies and invest in humane welcome.
4. Amplify on Social Media: Share this message on social media using this toolkit.